For Immediate Release:	Contact:
Dec. 15, 2008	Kristin Milam
	(919) 733-5238
Another Arrest Made in Auto Accident Fraud Ring Investigation
This Arrest Marks the Fifth, More Expected Still
RALEIGH -- Insurance Commissioner Jim Long today announced the arrest of another Eastern North Carolina resident for her role in what Department of Insurance investigators have identified as an auto insurance fraud ring spanning four years and worth more than $100,000 in phony insurance payments from staged accidents.
Last Wednesday, the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office arrested Yolanda Michelle Harper, 24, 2600 Rebecca Ln., Kinston and charged her with three counts of conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. She was processed at the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office and placed under a $50,000 secured bond. On Dec. 1, Department investigators presented their investigation to the Lenoir County Grand Jury, who retuned indictments against Harper. Superior Court Judge Paul Jones issued an order for her arrest.
Harper is the fifth suspect arrested in what Department investigators' allegations identify as an auto accident fraud ring involving staged auto accidents and phony insurance claims worth more than $100,000. Additional arrests and charges are expected as the investigation continues. GMAC Insurance Company tipped off Department investigators to the fraud ring.
The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud. In 2007, these investigators saw more than 525 cases successfully closed with more than $14.5 million in restitution and recoveries, 53 criminal convictions and 109 arrests.
To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Investigations Division at (919) 807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at the NC-DOI Web site.
-- NCDOI --